Editing Enlightened absolutism (section)

== Modern use ==

[[Reza Shah Pahlavi]], relying upon a coalition of [[secularism|secular constitutionalists]], [[liberal democracy|liberal-democratic thinkers]], [[Religion in Iran|traditional clergy]], and the [[populism|general population]], enacted a form of enlightened absolutism, seeking to modernize Iran by combining [[Absolute monarchy|absolute monarchism]] with [[liberalism|liberal ideas]]. He reformed the bureaucracy, promoted [[Freedom of religion|religious tolerance]], and fostered [[economic growth]], all the while restoring a monarchial institution and preserving an authoritarian governance structure. His [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi|son]] continued this until [[Iranian revolution|his overthrow in 1979]].<ref>{{cite web |last= Mehdi  |first= Khalaji |date= 30 April 2021 |title= The Rise of “Bonapartism” in Iran |url= https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/rise-bonapartism-iran |website= Washington Institute |location= |publisher= |access-date= 18 March 2025}}</ref>

[[Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia|Crown Prince]] [[Mohammad bin Salman]], [[Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia|prime minister]] and ''de facto'' ruler of [[Saudi Arabia]] (an [[absolute monarchy]]) has been described as a modern-day enlightened despot. Since assuming power as crown prince in 2017, he has enacted widespread reforms which have reduced the power of Wahhabi clergy and religious police in a theocratic kingdom. However, Saudi Arabia remains an authoritarian state, with a poor human rights record and frequent jailing and political persecution of political dissidents.<ref>{{Cite web |title=If the Choice Is Charlatans or Fanatics, Choose the Former |url=https://providencemag.com/2023/10/if-the-choice-is-charlatans-or-fanatics-choose-the-former/ |access-date=2 September 2024 |website=Providence|date=19 October 2023 }}</ref>